Overview

This bill mandates that UK clean air targets align with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. It also requires annual reports to Parliament on the UK's progress in meeting these stricter standards.

Description

The Clean Air Targets (World Health Organization Guidelines) Bill legally obliges the relevant national authorities (the Secretary of State for England, the Welsh Ministers, the Scottish Ministers, and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for Northern Ireland) to ensure UK clean air targets meet WHO guidelines, specifically those issued on September 22, 2021, or any subsequent revisions. The Secretary of State is responsible for producing annual reports to Parliament detailing compliance with this duty. Other national authorities must provide the necessary information. The first report is due in 2022. The bill applies across the UK and comes into effect upon passage.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures. However, achieving compliance with the stricter WHO guidelines will likely necessitate increased investment in air quality monitoring, pollution reduction strategies, and potentially enforcement measures. The exact cost will depend on the actions needed to meet the new targets.

Groups Affected

This bill will affect various groups:
• Government bodies: Responsible for setting and meeting the new, stricter air quality targets and producing reports.
• Environmental agencies: Involved in monitoring air quality and implementing pollution control measures.
• Industries: Businesses emitting pollutants will likely face increased pressure to reduce emissions to meet the new standards.
• Public health bodies: Will benefit from improved air quality, leading to potential reductions in respiratory illnesses and other health problems.
• The general public: Will potentially experience cleaner air and improved health outcomes if the bill's goals are achieved.

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